Legislation sponsored by Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen, Passaic) to expand the list of retired law enforcement officers who are eligible to receive a permit to carry a handgun was advanced by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Sen. Gerry Cardinale with retired members of the FOP, PBA and RUPD who came to the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee meeting on Feb. 6, 2017 to support S-1944, which allows more retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms after they retire. (SenateNJ.com)

“We already allow many retired officers to carry firearms,” Senator Cardinale said. “This measure will give us an extra line of defense to protect the public against violence.”

The legislation, S-1944, will make more law enforcement officers – like state park police, state transit police, campus police and others – eligible to obtain handgun carry permits once they retire. Under current law, certain retired law enforcement officers can apply for an annual permit until they turn 75.

“We as a state have been stepping on people’s right to protect themselves for too long,” Senator Cardinale said. “These individuals have already displayed the capability of carrying a firearm in the line of duty, and they can continue to protect the public and themselves after they are retired.”